March 1, 2020
Ian’s nervous; lacks confidence; gets stressed.
He’s heard tell his late dad was the best.
Conjuring skills: a bit shoddy …
(Oops! Only half a body)
Brothers bond on an exciting adventure quest.
December 19, 2019
Young pacifist tech officer Walter gets fired by Lance,
But fate gives the former a convenient second chance
(Because his inventions stun).
This odd pair are quite fun,
Especially when their bosses are chasing (looking askance).
September 19, 2019
The last time emotionally stunted astronaut Roy
Saw his dad, he was a teenage boy.
Then duty calls. Into the vast …
Pitt is so perfectly cast.
Witnessing his understated performance: a joy.
December 7, 2018
Lovely lead performances. Overall highlight: witty, clever princess stuff.
It’s a kids’ film unafraid to have an undying message that’s tough
(Being co-dependent and possessive
Can makes a friendship oppressive).
Won’t age well (‘today’ references: too specific; not generic enough).
September 11, 2018
One plus: the animals are expertly rendered.
But sadly the tale of adult CR (who’d surrendered
To a life with joys that are few)
And the re-introduction of his youth’s crew
Is overall quite drab, bland & sluggish. Not recommended.
March 22, 2018
Virtual Oasis, and bleak future-Ohio slums where actual bodies reside
Are the two worlds here. Some real clunkiness in the screenplay aside,
So much here's genuinely funny and clever.
I could watch Rylance’s Halliday forever,
Loved the audacious set pieces, and embraced this thrilling ride.
February 21, 2018
Demise of their nemesis McGregor (grumpy sod)
Spells momentary freedom for this animal squad.
Creature effects: beautifully-rendered.
But various tonal shifts tended
To feel somewhat awkward (and came across as odd).
January 11, 2018
This delicious film from del Toro renders
A wealth of ethereal splendours.
A love story (with travail).
Also, a morality tale:
A beautiful creature; its oppressors; its defenders.
December 6, 2017
A special mission to keep a precious book out of harm.
A delicious film. Beautiful colours. Full of charm.
Grant: fab in those guises.
Many joyous surprises.
Genuinely warm and sweet. No hint of saccharine smarm.
July 28, 2017
Remarkable ape movements and fights.
For comic relief: Zahn's Bad Ape delights.
Caesar's so deeply expressive.
Serkis' work here: impressive.
Great film (though shy of Dawn's lofty heights).
June 1, 2017
Godot's Diana: a nuanced balance of powerful, naive and smart. Main Western Front sequence: quite a piece of art. Some of the fight scenes: over-long. Overall, there's much that's strong ...
March 26, 2017
So here's a bunch of smart, pretty people in space, On the ISS (cue co-operating human race). But these characters had me surprised At some actions (ill-advised), In this quite ridiculous, but scary / fun survival-chase.
...
March 20, 2017
Though not hitting its fab predecessor's heights, It still boasts a fair share of delights. Ultra rapid-fire gags (With no grace for brain lags) ...
March 1, 2017
Joyous story of trailblazing Aisholpan (forward spurred) ...
January 17, 2017
Young Félicie, in an orphanage in France, Has one heartfelt dream: to dance. A lovely story of persistence In the face of resistance, As we see her fight for her chance.
...
January 5, 2017
Young Moana: for future Chief role, she's groomed. But new problems mean her island might be doomed. The film's an inspiring creation: Delightful story, songs, animation ...
December 19, 2016
Despite two usually charismatic leads at the fore, Sadly the direction and some script elements equal snore. And engagement wanes fast Because it's impossible to get past The morally repugnant, unconscionable act at its core.
...
September 14, 2016
It's discovered that Pete has an unconventional friend. The folks who don't understand want him penned. In a lovely way: it's old-fashioned ...
August 25, 2016
A tearing apart of brothers once loving and devoted. (Differing allegiances mean the relationship's demoted) Though some problems (including pace) There's that spectacular chariot race ...
July 6, 2016
In the jungle, John becomes an orphan boy. The love of his adopted ape mum gives him joy. Later he's back, after Old Blighty ...